Despite its distinctions, streetwear and high fashion collaborations are on the rise
In the face of it, the worlds of high fashion and streetwear seem completely different to each other. From its origins, styles, purposes, and target market, it can be easily inferred that these industries are incomparable and disparate.
High fashion is often associated with avant-garde looks, pieces situated to formal events, and apparels that speak of wealth and luxury. Meanwhile, streetwear is simply defined as clothes that are casual, street-oriented, and offer ease in nearly any context.
But given the rapid pace of change in the world of fashion, it can be easily observed that streetwear is slowly encroaching and gradually equates its meaning with the high fashion industry. Who would have thought that a fashion week would feature brands like Adidas, Stüssy, and Supreme?
Slow uprising of streetwear to the forefront
In 2019, Louis Vuitton menswear designer Virgil Abloh mentioned that streetwear was “going to die,” which was questioned by a lot of people in the fashion world at that time. He then clarified in another interview that what he meant was it would be reborn in different forms, which undoubtedly happened these past few years.
Campers on Spring Street every time Supreme drops anything new, jam-packed Off-White shows, and Nigo’s A Bathing Ape selling out in the blink of an eye every release—these are only a few noteworthy scenarios that prove that streetwear enthusiasts are certainly some of the most passionate fashion consumers.
In a recent survey, it was discussed that even during the global economic slump brought by the pandemic, expectations for streetwear’s growth are still high and promising. 76% of the respondents believed that the industry will continue to flourish significantly over the next five years.
These events had a huge impact on the global fashion landscape and encouraged revolutionary changes. Collaborations between luxury brands and streetwear lines are becoming more prevalent today, creating exceptional and cutting-edge designs for their fashion patrons.
According to Bain, the luxury goods sector noted a 5% sales increase in 2017 because of streetwear collaborations, amounting to $309 trillion. A good example of this is the Dior and Air Jordan collaboration. These brands were able to sell out their limited edition sneakers amounting to approximately USD 2,000 per pair in a matter of hours.
In 2019, a study from Statista was released and it showed that 67% of the Gen Z respondents bought items from streetwear and high fashion collaborations. This proves that partnership among these brands can surely generate buzz among its consumers.
Some of the most influential brand collaborations that redefined the fashion scene these past years were the Supreme and Louis Vuitton in 2017, Burberry and Supreme in 2022, and Nike and Jacquemus in 2022.
Is it a good move?
One thing about fashion, no matter the era, is it is inevitably subject to change. It constantly evolves as designers and consumers also change perspectives. It is an endless stream of creative possibilities and ideas.
Given the high demand for streetwear clothing today, it is smart for these brands to join forces to make fashion more comprehensive and accessible. If any, both worlds were given its platform to thrive, explore, and bring in a wider audience. It is an attestation that it is possible for two completely different industries to team up to deliver apparels that speak exclusive style, elegance, and luxury, all while being easy and comfortable at the same time.
